Be Selfish: 5 Reasons Why You Should Be The Only Person You Care About

If you aren't aware, number one is you.

How many times have you put someone else's needs before your own? Where has it left you? Sure, he or she might be your best friend or your partner or a member of your family, but you aren’t of much use to this person if you don’t take care of yourself.

Everything begins and ends with you and no one spends as much time with you as you do. When was the last time you treated or pampered yourself? Here are five reasons why you should take care of number one first:

1. No one will look out for you as well as you will look out for yourself.

Mothers are an exception to this rule. As much as people claim to “ride or die” for certain individuals, we all have our own lives to lead.

When we care deeply for someone, we are likely to go to extreme measures to ensure the person is as happy as possible. Sometimes, when the care is not reciprocated, we feel hurt that others weren’t willing to go to the same lengths for us.

Things like loyalty, happiness and care can’t be measured and we can’t get annoyed when this happens because the other person is simply exercising a choice; we aren’t responsible for — or able to control — other people’s actions. Instead, we can invest in ourselves more, and once we receive positive results, we can invest in others.

2. People can be wishy-washy.

There is such a thing as putting too much trust in a person. Don't risk letting a wishy-washy person into your life. Have you ever had a friend who is so great, but one time, he or she just didn’t show up to your plans?

Don’t worry; it happens to the best of us. Everyone can be wishy-washy and flaky; don’t get hung up on other people falling short of your expectations. Perform as best as you can for yourself, not for whom you expect to be there.

3. People let you down.

Surprised? Didn't think so.

This may sound similar to reason two, but it’s important to keep this idea in mind. There's only so much you can depend on someone else to do for you. Our expectations for those whom we regard to be important can be a bit high at times.

Old and new betrayal can still pack fresh punches. The less you anticipate, the more surprised you will be when people do the right thing. To put it simply,

“Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.” ― Alexander Pope

4. People don’t always return favors.

Reciprocity is nice, but we must remember that it is not mandatory. We can feel hurt upon discovering that someone wouldn’t stick his or her neck for you after you already did so. Such is life.

We are all captains of our own ships — how we steer is how the direction of our lives will go. We must make sure not to steer wheels that we do not own. Favors and kind gestures are nice, but don’t forget for whom you are living: you.

5. Be your own good influence.

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” — Jim Rohn

It’s easy to get caught in the crowd or be influenced by those who are close to you. Those to whom we are closest have a massive impact on our decisions, our behaviors and most importantly, our drive to succeed.

How many people are influenced by your words and actions? As much you look up to other people, make sure you also look up to yourself.

Photo via Suits